PBIT chief, Sikh pilgrims discuss tourism plans

A large group comprising 140 members of Sikh pilgrims, including socialites, and investors living in the UK, met Chairman PBIT Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan Wednesday at a breakfast and talked about mutual interest, investment and tourism in Pakistan and Special Sikh religious tourism.

The Sikh leaders, led by Sardar Ranjit Singh, described the opening of the Kartarpur corridor by Imran Khan as a great step for the Sikhs, whom he had envied for 72 years, but Imran Khan exceeded their expectations. Sardar Ranjit Singh said the way Pakistan was showering love and affection to Sikh religious tourism, especially by Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan and his company Centaurus, Pakistan would surely become the best place for tourism. "I have been here three times this year and have been hosted by Chairman PBIT," he said.

All Sikh community is grateful to Imran Khan, his government, and Chairman PBIT Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said the way in which Pakistan's actions regarding religious freedoms were being appreciated in the world was the core spirit of our religion. "Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fed the non-Muslims, made their stay easy for them, and gave them permission to fulfil their religious obligations. We cannot find greater act of tolerance than that." He said the honesty and affection of the Army Chief shown to Navjot Singh Sadhu was widely criticized in India, but General Bajwa fulfilled his promise. "Thanks to their initiative, the dignity of Pakistan has increased in the world. The Sikh community stands with Kashmiris all over the world, while it is regrettable that the Modi's government attitude towards Muslims in the neighbouring country is sad and condemnable. People living for centuries are being asked for a certificate whether they are citizens of India or not. Striking the human rights and freedom of human rights is an open violation of all international laws.

He said the baton charge of the Indian government on students sitting in libraries and universities was enough to open the eyes of the world. "Young pupils were unaware while studying, their heads and legs would suddenly be attacked with sticks. India's attitude towards minorities is quite appalling and Pakistan's attitude towards its minorities is exceptional, Kartarpur being its prime example."

He said the way Narendra Modi's government had kept Kashmiris in curfew for a year was enough to shake up the humanity and the whole world. He said the UN Secretary General also praised the opening of Kartarpur Corridor. At the same time he said the minority in India was facing extreme atrocities and human rights violations and international community must now stand up and address it.-PR